Scott Morgan previews the new Coventry Rugby squad.

With now just over two weeks to go before the start of the new National League 1 season, I feel that I should give a few words on the newly assembled Coventry Rugby squad and what I am expecting from the new season.

To start with I feel immensely proud to be appointed Head Coach of such an illustrious and famous club, with its knowledgeable and demanding supporters who have seen many ups and downs in the past, but I sincerely believe that the corner has finally turned and we will start to see Coventry Rugby becoming a force again in the leagues.

It has to be acknowledged that last season was a disappointing one for players, supporters and coaches alike with a final position of 9^th instead of the targeted 5^th place. Matters were not helped by no less than 7 games being lost from a position of strength.This has certainly had an impact on my summer recruitment and my thanks must go to the Board, who have helped Coventry Rugby provide the necessary experience and competition in key positions that was often lacking last season. This season the squad has been enhanced with an acceptable blend of youth and experience, now providing the club with the necessary strength in depth and a very real fierce competitive edge in all positions.

I am pleased to confirm that we have managed to retain 19 key players from last season, which gives us the necessary continuity, so important for the start of the season.

Overall, squad numbers are expected to be down slightly on last season, currently being on 32 plus a contingent of dual registered loan players due from Premiership sides Worcester, Northampton and Leicester. We are focused and believe that the loan players when available will be selected on merit and only if they warrant a position in the team on a Saturday will they have the honour of pulling on the Coventry shirt.

Last season the ability was certainly there in the Coventry squad, witness the immense performance against one of the pre-season favourites Esher, late in the season. Our defensive capabilities were second only to eventual Champions Ealing Tfs, however the number of tries scored were frankly disappointing, a factor that hopefully has now been addressed by our new recruits and the training emphasis on ball handling skills.

Mid- way through last season Coventry Rugby switched Cliffie Hodgson from flyhalf to fullback , bringing young Will Maisey back to the club and virtually throwing him in at the deep end at flyhalf, with matters not helped by injuries in the squad. This season Coventry Rugby  have addressed this problem with the key signing of experienced former Welsh International flyhalf Matt Jones. This appointment will allow Will Maisey to develop his craft under a lot less pressure.

Another key position is that of fullback, with Cliffie Hodgson settling in well into that position last season.The additional signing of another experienced and former Welsh International Barry Davies, who was instrumental in keeping Jersey in the Championship, with Barry able to play fullback, centre and flyhalf thus giving Coventry further options.

One of our most consistent performers last season was also in a key position, that of scrum half Lewis Barker. To give Lewis the necessary support for the coming season and indeed competition,  Louis Silver from Doncaster Knights who has plenty of senior experience has also been recruited.

All four centres from last season have been retained, namely Callum MacBurnie, Greg Evans, James Otutaha, and a fit again Luke Myring, giving Coventry Rugby some much needed continuity. In addition centre Will Hurrell in returning to Coventry Rugby brings even more experience both to the centre and if required as winger, Barry Davies is also equally at home in the centre.

The paucity of tries scored last season included the wing positions was a worry, so this season we have made sure that there is speed on the wings by the recruitment of proven speedy wingers  Ian Clark and Mark Kohler. Ian comes in from Hartpury College, already with experience of Premiership rugby at Gloucester and the sevens game, whilst Mark a deceptively fast wing, comes in from the Bedford Blues. In addition Tom Harris is also retained after consistent performances over last season.

It was no coincidence that Ealing won the league with a fast off- loading game and moving the ball quickly to the wings, a method of play that we ourselves have been concentrating on at pre-season training.

No games are won without the necessary firepower in the pack, with the front row a key factor. I can’t praise enough how hooker Matt Price came back from injury and made himself an ever present in last season’s team. The recruitment of Chris Locke from the Bedford Blues provides us with some welcome competition. A very promising player Chris has something to prove after his lack of chances at Bedford Blues.

The loss of Bronson Ross to Ulster was not unexpected and Coventry Rugby made an early decision to find suitable replacements. This has resulted in no less than 6 prop forwards now being part of the Coventry Rugby set up. Loosehead Andy Brown comes back to Coventry after being recalled by Doncaster Knights late last season. Making an immediate impact on his short loan period I am delighted that Andy has now switched permanently to Coventry Rugby.

Tighthead former Dragon Tim Ryan has also been recruited and provides a wealth of experience in this crucial position. Will Davis, normally a loosehead remains at Coventry Rugby on a dual registered loan basis from Bristol Academy, following his impressive loan spell with us late last season. Lithuanian International Ignas Darkinitis  has also been signed-a versatile player capable playing on both sides of the scrum and even as hooker providing even more experience to Coventry Rugby.

Chad Thorne playing mainly at tighthead comes in from Hartpury College, again with plenty of experience ,and Josh McNulty able to play either side is retained from last season after making his way through the Coventry/Henley Academy ranks.

Two of last season’s second rows Tom Poole and Danny Wright have both been retained,Both players are expected to become more and more influential as the season progresses and will of course be joined by myself, as well as promising new recruit Harry Casson from the Worcester Academy.

I feel that the back row has been considerably strengthened with competition now in all three positions, with new recruits Geré Mareé a tall rangy No 7 from Portugal, and James Tyas a physical No 6 from the Cornish Pirates. Geré also has experience in all of the back row positions and will be joining up with his compatriot Jacques le Roux, who made such an impression at No 8.The retention of Matt Tibbatts, Liam Munro, Brett Daynes and Jamie Harrop means plenty of competition for places and options of different players able to suit the playing conditions and playing styles as required.

Overall this season sees the Coventry Rugby squad set some challenging targets, with a squad I feel has been strengthened to cover shortfalls from last season.

Finally a plea to all Coventry Rugby supporters, please get behind our team, encourage newcomers to one of the best appointed grounds not only in National League 1 but also the Championship. Your support will not only help the club but the players to achieve to the best of their ability. Whatever happens I can promise an exciting season of rugby to come.

ADVANCE NOTICE MEMBERS FORUM AT BPA 29^TH AUGUST AT 7.30 PM.

Finally don’t forget the Members Forum at the BPA Thursday 29^th August at 7.30 pm. Members including all Season Ticket Holders, Centurions and VP’s are eligible. In addition, we are inviting you all to bring along a guest, preferably someone you think  might just come and join us.

The panel (Jon Sharp, Phil Maynard and Scott Morgan) will be looking forward to the new season and answering your questions. In addition, we have Tom Little giving us some fascinating insights into the intelligence on our competition he has gathered over the summer months.

Membership cards will be available to pick up. Don’t miss it!

Coventry Rugby press office

15^th August 2013.